The PPA Blog

Information for Down the Road

PPA to Phase Out Smart Cards

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) announced today that it will no longer sell Smart Cards after May 30, 2014. The PPA also announced that valid Smart Cards will only be accepted by kiosks and meters until December 31, 2014.

“With the installation of over 1,000 kiosks throughout the city that accept credit cards, the demand for Smart Cards has dropped dramatically. Based on the high per-card production cost, combined with its near-obsolescence, we decided to end the Smart Card program,” Deputy Executive Director Corrine O’Connor said.

The PPA originally partnered with OmPay, LLC — a Philadelphia-based technology firm — in 2001 to offer Smart Cards as a convenient alternative to coins for use in parking meters.

O’Connor commended OmPay, LLC for their “innovation and assistance in helping the PPA develop and use cutting-edge technology, that improved customer service by providing an easy and convenient way for customers to pay for on-street parking at meters and kiosks throughout the city.”

Note: Anyone who has a balance on a Smart Card after December 31st can contact Anne O’Neill at 215-683-9620 or email AONeill@philapark.org . You will be required to send us your Smart Card. After we confirm the remaining balance, we will issue a refund.